Thinking of going straight run and need advice.

[MydearWatson]

Well, I got the news that my shipment is delayed another TWO months. GRRRR! the brooder is ready, everything all set, the kids are SO excited (I'm just as bad!) I dont want to wait. I guess I have to sacrifice choice of birds to get them now. They have some Silkies at my local TSC...... straight run of course. I absolutley, 100% can not have a loud rooster so I am taking a big risk here. I dont suppose there is any tips on choosing ones that have a better chance of being girls? Also, for those of you who can't have roosters like me, how do you give them away? I get attached easily so I would want them to go to someone who wouldn't eat them.

Should I get more than I want (I only want 4 hens) incase there are some roosters? If so, how many?

I am just so, so bummed our order might not work out. I really want babies but don't want to screw it up by rushing. Any advise would be so great!

 

[Daphne16]

Well I noticed you are in CT so if you go to TSC you have to get 6. I am in Wolcott by the way. Check out the where are you thread on here for CT a lot of breeders are on there and local. Beth G is where I got my girls from this past weekend and she has EE and a bunch of others. She has lots of eggs in incubators too.

 

[MydearWatson]

Hi Neighbor (I'm in Southington!!)

Darn! I totally forgot about the minimum!!!!

There goes that idea! But THANK YOU for letting me know about the breeders in CT!

I'm going to check that out RIGHT now!

 

[Judy]

If you have a problem with someone else eating them, then IMO you should not get straight run or unsexed chicks. There just aren't enough homes in the world for unwanted roosters. You might very well get lucky and be able to place a few, but sooner or later you will be stuck feeding and housing unwanted roos, which will probably need a separate place to live.

It's just part of chicken keeping. People want eggs, only half of them lay eggs, and we only need a small percent of the rest to make more chickens. Good for you for asking before you get the chickens, though. Too often this is addressed too late.

 

[teach1rusl]

Early on, it's just SO hard to ID boys from girls. I ordered sexed silkie pullets from a hatchery, and I STILL think I got one boy (not certain, but I won't be surprised if I eventually hear a crow), so even the experts have difficulties with certain breeds.
Could you try a different hatchery to see if they have the breeds you want?? One of the places that does small orders, like MPC or Natures??? Or is it a case of you just changing ONE of the breeds, assuming the others are available now?
I HATE trying to find homes for roosters/cockerels. And of course there are no guarantees that they won't be eaten (although I doubt many people eat silkies). Good luck; hope things work out for you!

 

[MydearWatson]

Thank you so much for your replies! I tried to look up Natural but couldnt find a website.

. And what does MPC stand for?

 

[Daphne16]

Mypetchicken.com
And hello neighbor